This is a case that drew national attention. It was even made into an episode on one of those murder shows. Facts are facts though. The show put a narrative into the public’s head that is 100% false. Stephen was never caught standing over a body, Stephen had no scratches on him what so ever, His dna was not under anyone’s finger nails, the autopsy can’t even determine the cause of death but He is in prison for homicide. No one speaks about the arresting officers, one of whom has been found to be corrupt named Ted Hagan, no one speaks of the 18 hours Stephen was detained without water, bathroom access, and in a freezing room handcuffed and assaulted before being forced to sign a confession so He could get out of He wet clothing. I implore you. Please read the actual report. You will be shocked at how someone was forced onto psychiatric medication and heavily sedated and left without an attorney at critical stages of his proceedings and then intimidated into waiving all of his appellate rights. This needs real attention. ALL OF THIS IS FACT!

Stephen Poachés, a devoted friend and family man, is currently serving a double life sentence in a Pennsylvania prison for crimes he did not commit. This wrongful conviction has not only shattered his life but has devastated those who know and love him. Stephen has been a beacon of positivity and kindness, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. The anguish of knowing that someone so caring and gentle is trapped behind bars for something they didn’t do is indescribable.

The criminal justice system is supposed to preserve fairness and truth, yet Stephen's case is a glaring example of how it can sometimes fail. The evidence presented at his trial was questionable and insufficient. Moreover, there were several violations of his legal rights throughout the investigation and trial process. 

To make matters worse, many witnesses who could provide important testimonies were either overlooked or intimidated, leaving the full story untold. DNA evidence that could potentially exonerate Stephen remains untested, casting doubt on the integrity of the conviction. Studies reveal that in the United States, over 2,300 people have been exonerated since 1989, demonstrating that wrongful convictions are, unfortunately, not rare. Stephen deserves a fair chance to plead his innocence through a careful and thorough review of all evidence.

It is imperative that professional, experienced legal minds take a comprehensive look at Stephen's case. We call upon the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and other organizations dedicated to justice reform to investigate these circumstances and push for a fair re-trial. Stephen has suffered long enough, and with your support, we can bring him the legal assistance he desperately needs to seek the truth.

Your signature on this petition can draw urgent attention to Stephen Poachés' case, helping initiate a movement towards justice. Please, take a stand against this miscarriage of justice and help free an innocent man. Sign this petition today and be the voice that steers this case toward truth and fairness.

Reach out to your networks, share Stephen's story, and inspire others to join in this critical cause. Every signature brings us one step closer to justice for Stephen Poachés.

Here is some factual history: 

 Is This Justice?

What happened to my friend should be considered a crime. Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. see why the DA (Carlos Vega) got Stephen to waive his direct appeal & post conviction rights. He had to protect his conviction from being overturned. Stephen even waived his right to challenge counsel's effectiveness. That's unheard of. Even when people plead guilty they can appeal so how can Stephen be barred when he went to trial? His lawyer (NOT OF RECORD) advised him to waive everything. The thing is the DA told Stephen that he'd remove death if he waived his rights but NO 802 Notice of Aggravating Circumstances was filed properly framing it a capital case meaning death wasn't even a possible sentence. He tricked Stephen & his lawyer helped. There are too many constitutional errors to list (some structural, some procedural) but I can assure you this is only the tip of the iceberg. Stephen can explain better. If you were to talk to him for maybe 15 minutes I guarantee you won't believe what he tells you. He was convicted b/c of zealous cops & DA, b/c he's poor, & abysmal representation (who was prohibited to represent him per rule) & sensational lies printed by the media. The only thing they printed correctly about Stephen was his name. He's @ Coal Township, number: GV-2311. Docket No. CP-51-CR-0902381-2005. Have a nice day